It has been a long time since I posted the first chapter of Calli's Story (working title only). This is an historical fiction set in the 1st Century Roman Empire. Calli is a young Greek woman who's father announced in chapter one that he will marry off his three older daughters within two months. Here we get a better look into his character, and are introduced to the initial antagonist of the novel, Zeno.
“Have a seat,” Theodorus waved toward the empty chair. He did not take his eyes from Zeno’s face as the younger man obeyed. He had the same dark hair and green eyes that still made his wife draw the attention of every man in the room. The family resemblance ended there.
“Why have you called me here, Uncle?”
Theodorus motioned to his slaves to bring the wine and fruit. He did not answer until he’d drained his first gobletful. “You are the son of my wife’s brother and as such I am employing your assistance.” The slave filled his goblet again as he bit into a peach. “My three elder daughters require husbands. I am too busy here on the estate to seek them out. You will find me eligible bachelors and I will make the final decisions.”
Zeno shifted in his chair and took a gulp of wine. “How soon do you need them?”
“In four weeks time, at the latest,” Theodorus answered, spitting peach juice across the platter of fruit. “I want all three of them married and out of my house within two months. I’ve pandered to them long enough. It is time they learned what a woman’s duty is – to make a good marriage and bring healthy sons into the world.”
“Four weeks time won’t be long to negotiate the terms of a marriage, Uncle. What do I tell these prospective husbands when they ask about the dowry your daughters will bring?”
Theodorus snorted and began to choke on his wine. “Tell them,” he paused to cough, “that they can take that up with me. You are not to speak of it.”
Zeno nodded. “Very well.” He stood, and left the room without a backward glance.
Theodorus threw his goblet to the floor. Young people had no respect anymore. He would be much better off when he was rid of his worthless daughters and using their new husbands to further spread his influence through the region.
Both of the slaves hurried forward to clean up the spilled wine. Theodorus kicked the darker-skinned one in her ribs as she knelt at his feet, sending her sprawling. “Clean up this filth and do not let me see either of you for the rest of the day.”
He stalked from the room and out into the olive grove. The rustle of wind in their branches whispered of money. He pulled a limb down and plucked an olive. Rolling it between his thumb and forefinger to test the firmness, he walked between the rows. There would be a good crop this season. Dowries would not be difficult to supply for the three girls, but what he would get in return would be worth far more than a few barrels of olive oil.
The soft sound of footfalls drew his attention upward. The sunlight glistened on Calliope’s pale hair. She crossed the balcony, unaware of his presence. Her full, rosy lips moved, but he could not make out what she was saying. Something dangled from her left hand and as she leaned over the railing Theodorus saw that it was a necklace. The gold pendant flashed as she lifted it up and drew her arm back. She flung her hand forward, but did not release the jewelry. He recognized the medallion carved with the likeness of Demeter that had been given to her at birth. Every child born to his family had been given one. All three of his sons were buried with theirs.
Calliope turned and their eyes met. She had her mother’s delicate features but his light hair and blue eyes. In her face he saw what his first born son might have looked like had he lived. Theodorus would gain what he could from the fate the gods had dealt him. As quickly as she’d turned to face him his third daughter spun on her heels and rushed back inside. Soon he would not have to worry if she were happy, angry or sad. Her feminine irrationality would be her husband’s trouble and Theodorus would make certain to choose a man strong enough to tame her wildness.
He tossed the olive to the dirt and smashed it beneath his sandal.
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